MCPD/MCTS Resources

I recently completed my MCPD by upgrading my MCSD.Net using exams 70-553 and 70-554. I used the notes on this blog and practices tests such as Transcender to prepare. I also spent some time in Barnes and noble looking at the Official Microsoft Training Kit for the individual exams that make up part of what each upgrade exam covers.

So take exam 70-553 for example. Passing it give you the MCTS windows and MCTS web credentials. Normally it would take 3 separate exams to attain those credentials: 70-526 which covers Windows Development, 70-528 which covers Web Development and 70-536 which covers Development Fundamentals. These topics map directly to the 3 sections that exam 70-553 covers. And Exam 70-554 maps to the topics covered in exams 70-529 (Distributed Development) and 70-549 (Design, SDLC etc).

The implications of this of course are that you can use materials designed for the individual exams to help you prepare for the upgrade exams. There is a lot more material available, and right now there is not much besides this blog to help you prepare for the upgrade exams. Especially if you know you may be weak in one area, it might be worth getting one of the training guides for a section you aren't as strong in.

You may have noticed new links in the navigation pain under MCPD/MCTS Certifiction resources for Exams 70-526, 70-528, 70-529 and 70-536. Another thing I realized is that my notes are helpful not only for the upgrade exams but also for the individual exams. So I went back and recategorized all of my notes to indicate which exams they would be helpful for.

I will try to post the links to the Training Kit books for the individual exams later today.

Comments

[test]

So david,

what is up next on your list after this MCPD exam ?

congrats for clearing the exam

[Krupa]

Hello
I am planning to appear for MCTS for web application 2.0. I have one confusion that if I appear for MCTS with 2.0 and later want to appear for MCPD with web application 2008. Is it possible or first i need to upgrade my MCTS for 2008 and then only i can appear for MCPD for 2008.
any suggestion is welcome.
Thanks

[David San Filippo]

As far as I know the MCPD is valid for three years after you attain it. After that, you would need to take the updated exams to maintain the credential.

Take a look at this article on Howard Dierking's blog:
http://blogs.msdn.com/howard_dierking/archive/2007/03/25/orcas-certifications-follow-up-implications-for-mcpd.aspx

[Dave]

I've been looking for free MCPD practice exams for months now with no luck...until i found this site:

http://www.accelerated-ideas.com/aiMExamsChoose.aspx

They've got new exams for 70-536, 70-552 etc..Theres a host of other exams on there for MCSD and MCAD too.

BTW: Exams stay active until at least 2 versions of the product are released e.g. .NET 1.1 is being retired now because 3.5 is out